I looked him over. There were so few people I could trust. He was one of them, but I feared what telling him my secrets might do. The fewer people who knew, the better.
But the stakes were rising by the minute, and I was running out of options.
There was only so much I could keep under control before it blew up in my face. All my worst nightmares could have come to be.
Anything from all of us dying in Morgäven to having to fight the fucking Reaper if he’d decided to keep Elariya prisoner. In which case we could have all died.
“Worried about telling me?” Kaem inclined his head.
“I trust you. I’m just not sure I should get you involved.”
He shook his head and glanced briefly into the open sea. “I’m already involved, son. I’ve seen things no one was meant to see and heard the whispers of dark magic in the land. I know forces we cannot explain are upon you. And I know that somehow, it’s all to do with your ring.”
His eyes met mine with understanding, and I found that I couldn’t look away.
“Am I right?” He leaned closer.
“Yes, and there is so much more at work that is beyond my sight.”
“It’s not just you, my boy. I’m certain that is by design.” He straightened and tightened his grip on the railing. “We’re not supposed to know until they—whoever they are—are ready to show themselves. And I don’t mean the thing wearing your sister’s face.”
My spine went rigid, and all the blood slowed in my veins. “You’ve… seen her?”
“Several times. But…she doesn’t know that I can see her. Or ratherit.”
“How did you know she wasn’t Zyrra?”
“She had no aura. And no soul. The magical signature is fractured. Like it’s been borrowed and wedged together. I have the power to see things like that.” He nodded. “This… entity was little more than a puppet. It’s not a ghost. Not a shape shifter, either. Something else. Something far more dangerous. War is coming. Butyoualready knew that. Didn’t you?”
I blew out a ragged breath. “War was always on the horizon, even before Father was murdered.”
“I have to agree with you.” He nodded. “That’s why you must find that ring, Wolfe.
“The quest to find it has consumed me. It has been my mission for the last five years.” I sighed. “Sometimes I fear madness may take me.”
“Your mage...”
I hardened my stare, suddenly feeling protective of Elariya. “What about her?”
“There’s a break in her memory. A wedge. And within it, traces of the ring’s magic.” He narrowed his gaze. “Like a curse.”
My stomach plummeted and cold settled deep in my bones. I stared at him, my heart galloping. “You can see it?”
“I can.” He relaxed his shoulders. “Earlier, she looked at me like she didn’t know me. Forgive me for saying so, but she hardly seemed to knowyou. My guess is she has some sort of memory curse. One given to her by the ring. A means to help you track it.”
“Gods.” I breathed out, glaring at him. “How in the six hells did you figure that out?”
“Young Nightblade, your father and I were the best of friends. Long before I became a merchant, we fought side by side in many wars. I was his most trusted friend and advisor.” He held my gaze. “I know a lot about the ring’s magic, how itprotects itself, how it will be seeking to find you. I knew from the first time I met your mage that she was in your life because of the ring.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his. I was trapped in his stare and the knowledge he just shared.
I released the breath I’d been holding and straightened. “Kaem, I need to know you’ll keep this matter between us.”
“You never have to ask me such a thing. I swear to you whatever we speak will stay here.”
“My uncle must never find out.” He knew my feelings toward my uncle. I’d never been able to hide them from him.
“He won’t. Not from me.” A steadfast determination filled his eyes. “I can see how comfortable your uncle has become on the throne. I’m sure he’s in no rush to find the ring and hand the kingdom over to you.”
